Bob Dylan

The term “legend” is sometimes applied to artists who may or may not actually deserve the honor. Bob Dylan’s status as a legend, though, is indisputable. Dylan became fascinated with rock and roll at a young age, but soon shifted his focus to folk music after discovering Woody Guthrie. In 1959, Dylan dropped out of college and headed to New York City. After playing with many already-established musicians there, he received his own recording contract and was ready to take on the world. Dylan’s warbly, raw singing style immediately set him apart from everyone else, and his socially and politically relevant lyrics earned him a role as a voice of the disenfranchised during the turbulent times of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. Since then, Dylan has recorded almost 40 albums and served as inspiration and influence on so many artists that his effect on popular music is immeasurable.